BAYTOWN, Texas – Blinn College men's basketball had chances to get a key road win at Lee College but missed opportunities and a missed shot at the buzzer doomed the Buccaneers to a 65-63 defeat Wednesday night.
With the loss, Blinn falls to 14-9 overall and 5-8 in Region XIV play.
Blinn had one player in double figures in this low-scoring game as James Harrison led with 15 points. Markques Houston scored nine points while Juwan Green and Tyrus Grayson each scored eight. The Buccaneers made just 7-of-13 from the free throw line in this close game.
Blinn and Lee were in a battle right from the beginning as Lee grabbed the early momentum to take a 43-38 lead at the half.
The Buccaneers showed more fight in the second half by outscoring Lee 19-10 in the first 12 minutes of the half to take a 57-53 lead with 8:53 left. The Blinn lead dwindled to 61-60 with 2:09 left but the Buccaneers were able to up their lead to 63-60 with a little over a minute remaining.
Unfortunately, that would be the final points scored by Blinn as Lee closed the game scoring the final five points to grab a 65-63 lead. Blinn had a solid look at a 3-pointer at the buzzer but Houston's shot glanced off the rim and Lee held on.
Blinn will hit the road on Saturday, Feb. 11 to face No. 6 San Jacinto College-Central at 4 p.m. San Jacinto sits on top of the Region XIV South Division with a 12-1 record.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 34 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
About Blinn College
With an enrollment of 19,422 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for affordable educational excellence. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.